Earlier this month, I wrote about the serendipity of Sacramento as an ideal convention destination that perfectly blends meetings, networking and recreation. (You can revisit the article here.) There's only so much 'classroom' instruction the mind can absorb, so wouldn't it benefit conventioneers to have a recess or seventh inning stretch?

Play ball! Build your team's camaraderie with the Sacramento River Cats.The Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A's has consistently won division, conference and league titles. Notable ballclub members include Barry Zito, Mark Mulder, Huston Street, Eric Hinske and Bobby Crosby. www.rivercats.com

Train for the Tour de France. Established in 2006, the eight-day, 700-mile Tour of California has become a compelling road race for cycling's most elite athletes. During your stay in Sacramento, Escape Travel Tours leads a less grueling tour of the 32-mile American River Parkway. Bring your bike or rent a new Trek 7.3 FX road bike. http://www.escapetravelinc.com/amgen.html

Walk it out. Learn something new through low-impact exercise. Downtown Sacramento Partnership leads unique tours through downtown Sacramento to introduce visitors to people, places & events that have shaped more than 150 years of state and local history. Topics range from art and architecture to cultural, religious and urban history. http://www.downtownsac.org/DSPAPP/V/life-and-culture/Book-a-Tour.html